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Gold Bar Scam/Phone Scams Government Impersonators Telling Victims to Protect Their Money! How Scams Work - A SCARS Insight Author: • SCARS Institute Enecyclopedia of Scams Editorial Team - Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. Article Abstract Gold bar scams involve fraudsters posing as federal agents or government officials who deceive victims by claiming their financial assets are at risk due to identity theft. The [...]
The Importance of the Police Report Helping Everyone Understand the Importance of Reporting These Crimes! Criminal Justice - A SCARS Insight Author: • SCARS Institute Enecyclopedia of Scams Editorial Team - Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. Originally Published: 2017 - Article Updated: 2024 Article Abstract Reporting scams, fraud, and cybercrime is crucial for understanding and combating these widespread threats, yet only about 3% of [...]
Mortgage Closing Scams Helping U.S. Home Buyers Understand an Insidious Financial Scam How Scams Work - A SCARS Insight Authors: • SCARS Institute Enecyclopedia of Scams Editorial Team - Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. • U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Article Abstract Mortgage closing scams are a growing threat, with scammers increasingly targeting homebuyers during the closing process by posing as real estate professionals [...]
Scam Warning: Fake Amazon Driver Scam - A Phishing Message Scam Understanding Another Phishing Scam How Scams Work - A SCARS Insight Author: • SCARS Institute Enecyclopedia of Scams Editorial Team - Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. Article Abstract The Amazon Driver Scam involves fraudsters sending fake messages claiming to be from an Amazon delivery driver experiencing problems with a package delivery. These messages [...]
Search Engine Scam Ads/Advertisements - How To Spot And Avoid Them Understand that Search Engines are also full of Scams! How Scammers Operate - A SCARS Insight Author: • SCARS Institute Encyclopedia of Scams Editorial Team - Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. • Portions by the U.S. FBI and ADLOCK Article Abstract Cybercriminals are increasingly using fake or scam ads on search engines [...]
Psychic Scams - Exploiting Scam Victims' Cognitive Biases and Magical Thinking Our Own Cognitive Biases and Belief in the Supernatural make us Prime Targets for Scammers! How Scams Work - A SCARS Insight Authors: • SCARS Institute Encyclopedia of Scams Editorial Team - Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. Article Abstract Psychic scams, where fraudsters claim supernatural abilities for profit, exploit people's belief in the [...]
Home Buyer Deposit Theft/Scams/Fraud Helping Home Buyers Understand the Dangers They Face Scam Basics - A SCARS Insight Author: • SCARS Institute Encyclopedia of Scams Editorial Team - Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. Article Abstract Home buyer deposit scams are on the rise, targeting individuals in the process of purchasing property. Scammers often hack email accounts of real estate agents or conveyancers, sending fraudulent [...]
Medicare Impersonation Scams Understanding How Your Government Benefits Can Be Hijacked & Stolen Scam Basics - A SCARS Insight Authors: • SCARS Editorial Team - Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. • U.S. Federal Trade Commission Article Abstract Medicare impersonation scams are a growing concern, with scammers pretending to be government agents or medical staff to steal valuable information and money. Protect your Medicare number [...]
SCARS RomanceScamsNOW.com Turns 24 Years Old! The Evolution of RomanceScamsNOW.com - 24 Years of Service to Scam Victims An Official SCARS Website Author: • SCARS Editorial Team - Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. Article Abstract Founded in 2000 by Dr. Tim McGuinness, RomanceScamsNow.com is the world's leading resource dedicated to educating the public about online romance and relationship scams in all their forms. The [...]
Scam Alert: SEO Poisoning & Typosquatting Scams Scammers Try to Lure You Into Their Fake Websites through Social Engineering in Search Results! How Scams Work - A SCARS Insight Author: • SCARS Editorial Team - Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. Article Abstract SEO poisoning and typosquatting are tactics used by scammers to manipulate search engine results, making their malicious websites appear legitimate to unsuspecting users. Exploiting [...]
Scam Alert: Toll-Road Money Due Scam - U.S./Canada Beware of Messages, Texts, and Phone Calls Claiming You Owe Toll-Road Fines! How Scams Work - A SCARS Insight Author: • SCARS Editorial Team - Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. Article Abstract Scammers are targeting travelers in the United States and Canada. They are employing a new toll-road money-due scam, reaching victims via phone calls, messages, and texts, [...]
Scam Alert: AI Voice Cloning Scams Beware Unknown Numbers Calling You! It Just Might Be An Artificial Intelligence! How Scams Work - A SCARS Insight Author: • SCARS Editorial Team - Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. Article Abstract Be vigilant against AI Voice Cloning Scams by adhering to the essential phone call rule: never answer calls from unknown numbers. Cybercriminals are using AI to clone voices, [...]
Crypto Investment Scams (Pig Butchering Scams) Red Flags And Clues Understanding the Basics of Crypto Investment Scams Scam Basics - A SCARS Series Author: • SCARS Editorial Team - Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. Article Abstract Crypto investment scams, also known as pig butchering scams, are defrauding millions annually by preying on victims through fake online relationships. Scammers establish trust by posing as successful [...]
WARNING: Social Media Ads Paid For By Scammers With Stolen Money Scammers are increasingly turning to Social Media Ads to Lure In their Victims! How Scams Work - A SCARS Insight Article Abstract Scammers exploit the vast user bases using the sophisticated targeting options of social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, using social media ads to lure unsuspecting scam victims into various deceptive fraud schemes, including fake [...]
Being A Convicted Criminal And Sentenced To A Nigerian Prison Is Hell The Nigerian Prison System Has Both Modern & Stone Age Prisons A SCARS™ Special Report Author: • SCARS Editorial Team - Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. Originally Published: 2018 - Article Updated: 2024 Article Abstract Nigerian prisons vary widely in conditions, reflecting societal disparities. While some approach modern standards, others remain archaic, [...]
Volt Typhoon - Chinese State-Sponsored Cybercriminals Targeting The United States And The World In Cyberwar Looking at how Chinese State-Sponsored Cybercriminals Operate Cyberwarfare - A SCARS Insight Authors: • SCARS Editorial Team - Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. • Main Article by: Richard Forno, Principal Lecturer in Computer Science and Electrical Engineering, University of Maryland, Baltimore County • Portions by the United States Cybercrime and Infrastructure Security Agency [...]
QR Codes Are The New Phishing Attack Method - Quishing Understanding These New Phishing Scams How Scams Work - A SCARS Insight Author: • SCARS Editorial Team - Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. Article Abstract The rise of QR code phishing scams, or "quishing," marks a significant evolution in cybercrime tactics, exploiting the widespread adoption of QR codes to deceive users and compromise organizational [...]
Fraud Patterns In The Age Of AI (Artificial Intelligence) Exploring the Continuing Impact of AI on Fraud, Scams, and Cybercrime Criminology - A SCARS Insight Author: • SCARS Editorial Team - Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. Article Abstract In the ever-evolving landscape of fraud, the integration of generative artificial intelligence (AI) has led to significant shifts in fraud patterns, affecting targets, frequency, and sophistication [...]
Tech Support Scams Offering Free Computer Scans - Just Say No! Understanding This Type of Tech Support Scam How Scams Work - A SCARS Insight Authors: • SCARS Editorial Team - Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. • U.S. Federal Trade Commission Article Abstract The proliferation of "free" computer security scans poses significant risks, often leading to tech support scams or even the inadvertent download [...]
Airlords/Air Lords African Crime Group Organization Violent Crime & Cybercrime Gang Organized Crime - A SCARS Insight Author: • SCARS Editorial Team - Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. Article Abstract The Airlords/Air Lords, a clandestine African organized crime syndicate, operate in secrecy, making their origins and structure elusive. Thought to have emerged from rebel groups or militias thought reported to have come out of [...]
Check Washing Scams And How To Protect Yourself Nothing is Safe Anymore, Not Even the Mail! How Scams Work - A SCARS Insight Author: • SCARS Editorial Team - Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. Article Abstract Protecting yourself from check-washing scams is essential in today's unsafe world. These scams involve fraudsters stealing checks from the mail, erasing handwritten details like the payee and amount, [...]
A Scam Victim's Story: The Story of a Romance Scam Victim [Video] Helping Other Victims Understand That They Are Not Alone! A Scam Victim's Story - Presented by SCARS Author: • SCARS Editorial Team - Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. Originally Published: 2019 Article Abstract Sharing their stories empowers romance scam victims to raise awareness, prevent future scams, provide support, advocate for policy change, [...]
COVID Fraud Enforcement Scam A Government Impersonation Scam How Scams Work - A SCARS Insight Author: • SCARS Editorial Team - Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. Article AbstractThe COVID Fraud Enforcement Scam is a concerning new trend sweeping across the United States, blending tech-support fraud with government impersonation to deceive unsuspecting victims.Victims receive fabricated court documents claiming they are under investigation for PPP fraud, with [...]
Understanding Law Enforcement A SCARS Insight Author: • SCARS Institute Encyclopedia of Scams Editorial Team - Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. SCARS Encyclopedia of Scams Article Abstract Understanding the roles and responsibilities of different law enforcement and regulatory agencies is crucial for taking effective action against online criminals. While law enforcement agencies, such as local police, national agencies like the FBI, and international bodies [...]
Stolen Identity: Dan Rachlin Do You Know Dan Rachlin Frequently Used By Scammers To Fool Women Scam Victims! You Have Probably Seen His Photos Before! The real Dan Rachlin is a Danish Media Professional Dan Rachlin Is Another Scammers Choice Award Winner Of course, you don't really know Dan Rachlin, since these are stolen photos used by African, Middle Eastern, and Indian Romance Scammers, but he is popular! If you see his photos on social media [...]
Stolen Identity: Kate Thornton “Bibi Bijoux” Have You Seen Kate Thornton “Bibi Bijoux”? Successful Businesswoman & Impersonation Victim Frequently Used By Scammers To Fool Men! You Have Probably Seen Her Photos Before! The real Kate Thornton, also known as “Bibi Bijoux” is a successful British Entrepreneur Kate Thornton “Bibi Bijoux” Is Another Scammers Choice Award Winner Of course, you don't really know Kate Thornton “Bibi Bijoux”, since these are stolen photos used by [...]
Stolen Identity: Jacinda Ardern, New Zealand Prime Minister Have You Seen Jacinda Ardern? Career Politician & Impersonation Victim Frequently Used By Scammers To Fool Men! You Have Probably Seen Her Photos Before! The real Jacinda Ardern is the current Prime Minister of New Zealand Jacinda Ardern Is Another Scammers Choice Award Winner Of course, you don't really know Jacinda Ardern, since these are stolen photos used by African Romance Scammers, but she is [...]
Stolen Identity: Major General Mark Schwartz Do You Know General Mark Schwartz Frequently Used By Scammers To Fool Women Scam Victims! You Have Probably Seen His Photos Before! The real General Mark Schwartz is a General in the United States Army General Mark Schwartz Is Another Scammers Choice Award Winner Of course, you don't really know General Mark Schwartz, since these are stolen photos used by African Romance Scammers, but he is popular! If you [...]
Stolen Identity: General John Hyten Do You Know General John Hyten Frequently Used By Scammers To Fool Women Scam Victims! You Have Probably Seen His Photos Before! The real General John Hyten is a United States Air Force general who serves as the 11th Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General John Hyten Is Another Scammers Choice Award Winner Of course, you don't really know General John Hyten, since these are stolen photos [...]
Stolen Identity: Monifa Jansen Have You Seen Monifa Jansen? She is a Model & Impersonation Victim Frequently Used By Scammers To Fool Men! You Have Probably Seen Her Photos Before! The real Monifa Jansen is a Model Monifa Jansen Is Another Scammers Choice Award Winner Of course, you don't really know Monifa Jansen, since these are stolen photos used by African Romance Scammers, but she is popular! If you see her photos on [...]
Stolen Identity: General John W "Jay" Raymond Do You Know General John W "Jay" Raymond, United States Space Force Frequently Used By Scammers To Fool Women Scam Victims! If you like what we do, can you help us? We are an incorporated nonprofit based in Florida providing free education, support, and advocacy for victims of online crime, perhaps like you! Will you help us to continue offering our services for free to scam victims [...]
Stolen Identity: Antonella LaSirena Have You Seen Antonella LaSirena? Porn Actress & Adult Model & Impersonation Victim Frequently Used By Scammers To Fool Men! You Have Probably Seen Her Photos Before! If you like what we do, can you help us? We are an incorporated nonprofit based in Florida providing free education, support, and advocacy for victims of online crime, perhaps like you! Will you help us to continue offering our services for free [...]
Stolen Identity: Kim Min-Young Have You Seen Kim Min-Young? She Is K-Pop Star, Singer, Actress & Impersonation Victim Frequently Used By Scammers To Fool Men! You Have Probably Seen Her Photos Before! The real Kim Min-Young is a Korean Media Star Kim Min-Young Is Another Scammers Choice Award Winner Of course, you don't really know Kim Min-Young, since these are stolen photos used by African Romance Scammers, but she is popular! If you see her [...]
Stolen Identity: Ann Angel Have You Seen Ann Angel? Adult Model & Impersonation Victim Frequently Used By Scammers To Fool Men! You Have Probably Seen Her Photos Before! The real Ann Angel is an Adult Video Star & Webcam Girl Ann Angel Is Another Scammer's Choice Award Winner Visit the SCARS YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOR8Tzp1AeIinI9AtyOztdg Of course, you don't really know Ann Angel, since these are stolen photos used by African Romance Scammers, but she is [...]
SCARS™ Scam Basics: Cyberstalking Cyberstalking Is The Use Of The Internet Or Other Electronic Means To Track Down, Insert Yourself, Stalk, Or Harass Another Person. It may include false accusations, defamation, slander, and libel. It may also include monitoring, identity theft, threats, vandalism, solicitation for sex, or gathering information that may be used to threaten, embarrass, or harass. But it can be as simple as tracking down and inserting yourself in the life of another [...]
Stolen Identity: General Paul Nakasone Do You Know U.S. Army General Paul Nakasone Frequently Used By Scammers To Fool Women Scam Victims! You Have Probably Seen His Photos Before! The real General Paul Nakasone is the Commander of the United States Cyber Command General Paul Nakasone Is Another Scammers Choice Award Winner Of course, you don't really know General Paul Nakasone, since these are stolen photos used by African Romance Scammers, but he [...]
SCARS™ Breaking News: Nigeria Begins Repaying Victims Of Nigerian-Based Cybercrime [UPDATED] UPDATED: CONTACT INFO ADDED For The First Time, The Nigerian EFCC (Economic & Financial Crimes Commission) at the urging of the United States Senator Chuck Grassley is repaying money stolen by a scammer back to the victim. From the EFCC - Their Announcement: EFCC Returns $4,040 to Brazilian Victim of Internet Fraud Debora Moreira, a Brazilian victim of internet fraud, has acknowledged the receipt [...]
SCARS™ Special Report: U.S. FBI Reported Cybercrimes Passes 5 Million Internet Crime Complaint Center Marks 20 Years And More Than 5 Million Reports From Early Frauds to Sophisticated Schemes, IC3 Has Tracked the Evolution of Online Crime NOTE: IT IS ESTIMATED CYBERCRIME VICTIMS ONLY REPORT BETWEEN 3% TO 5% OF ALL SCAMS AND CYBERCRIMES. THEREFORE THIS NUMBER SHOULD BE MULTIPLIED BY 20X TO GET A REAL SENSE OF THE NUMBER OF CYBERCRIMES OCCURRING. According to [...]
SCARS™ CYBER BASICS: Ransomware Ransomware Is A Multi-Billion Dolar Industry This document is written for more technical readers. Ransomware is malware that locks your computer and mobile devices or encrypts your electronic files. When this happens, you can’t get to the data unless you pay a ransom. HOWEVER, THIS IS NOT GUARANTEED AND YOU SHOULD NEVER PAY! What Is Ransomware? Ransomware is a type of malware that prevents you from accessing your computer (or the [...]
SCARS™ Victim Support: FTC Starts Sending Money To Western Union Victims After THREE Years Of Wait! Department of Justice Begins First Distribution of Funds Recovered Through Asset Forfeiture to Compensate Victims of Western Union Fraud Scheme The Department of Justice announced today that the Western Union Remission Fund began its first distribution of approximately $153 million in funds forfeited to the U.S. government from the Western Union Company (Western Union) to over 109,000 victims located [...]
Stolen Identity: Madison Ivy Have You Seen Madison Ivy? Porn Actress & Adult Model & Impersonation Victim Frequently Used By Scammers To Fool Men! You Have Probably Seen Her Photos Before! The real Madison Ivy is an Adult Video Star Madison Ivy Is Another Scammers Choice Award Winner Of course, you don't really know Madison Ivy, since these are stolen photos used by African Romance Scammers, but she is popular! If you see her [...]
SCARS™ Special Report: UNODC Cybercrime And COVID19 Risks and Responses During the global Chinese Coronavirus Pandemic scammers & cybercriminals worldwide are working overtime to take advantage of this unique opportunity to scam tens of millions of victims. The following is the analysis of this situation from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime - a United Nations oversight body tracking global transnational crime trends. This report is from the UNODC Cybercrime and Anti-Money Laundering [...]
SCARS™ Scam Basics: Don't Click Links In Unknown Text Messages! Ever! Don’t Click Links In Unsolicited Text Messages You might be seeing text messages promising money – maybe the economic impact payments, loans for small businesses, or an offer for money you can get. In fact, you may have recently seen a WhatsApp text message in Spanish that advertised money for people quarantined at home. If you’ve spotted messages like this, we hope you have [...]
SCARS™ Insight: 2020 Coronavirus Scams Reported To The U.S. Federal Trade Commission This is scams reported from January 1 to April 23, 2020 as reported to the FTC. All data provided by the Federal Trade Commission (www.FTC.gov) TAGS: SCARS, Important Article, Information About Scams, Anti-Scam, Scams, Scammers, Fraudsters, Cybercrime, Crybercriminals, Coronavirus Scams. COVID-19 Scams, Global Crisis Scams, Pandemic Scams, Scam Victims, SCARS™ Editorial Team Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. [...]
SCARS™ Scam Basics: Trial Subscription Scams Scam Alert: How to Recognize and Avoid a Subscription Trap You’re reviewing your bank or credit card statement when you stumble upon a charge that you can’t recall. The description doesn’t help either. The following month, the same charge appears, and again the next month. You may have fallen into a subscription trap. Subscription Traps Entice Consumers To Sign Up For A Free Trial To Access A Limited Time [...]
SCARS™ Guide: Standard Nigerian Scams & Online Fraud This guide is an introduction. Please review our other guides and articles for more detailed information about all the forms of scams and how victims can recover from them. Internet Financial Scams We hear from people every day who have been defrauded for hundreds or thousands of dollars by Internet contacts they thought were their friends or loved ones. Internet scams are attempts by con artists (cybercriminals) [...]
SCARS™ Insight: Coronavirus Grandparent Scams Scammers In India, Africa, And Asia Have Long Exploited The Love That Grandparents Have For Their Grandchildren, But Now They Are Turning That Into Money The Crisis Emergency Scams! The typical Grandparent Scam involves someone calling, emailing, texting or messaging an elderly person claiming that they are a relative and are in an emergency. All they need is some of the victim's money and it will all be fine! Accidents, [...]
SCARS™ Psychology of Scams: Why You Can't Stop Looking At The Stolen Face Why Some People Can't Stop Thinking About Their Exes - Ex-Scammer's Stolen Face How are you dealing with a fake relationship breakup? Some people throw themselves into depression, some into anger, some try to work through it with work, or some through hunting down scammers and "exposing them". These can all be efforts to distract themselves from the heartache and the trauma [...]
SCARS™ Coronavirus Scam Warning: A Social Disease - How Fraudsters Adapt Old Scams To Exploit The Coronavirus Crisis According to the Guardian: Criminals Who Formerly Tried to ‘Sextort’ People Online are Now Making Threats to Infect a Target’s Family and Friends You get an email that is immediately threatening. “I know every dirty little secret about your life,” it begins. “To prove my point, tell me, does [ONE OF YOUR PASSWORDS] ring any bell to yοu? [...]
SCARS™ Scam Warning: U.S. Stimulus Check Scams The massive $2 trillion coronavirus stimulus package approved by Congress & President this week includes “stimulus checks” for many Americans, especially those facing financial difficulty as a result of the coronavirus CONVID19 outbreak. It is expected that it will take roughly three weeks for those checks to be received. However, many people are receiving FAKE CHECKS right now! Fake Stimulus Check Scammers are sending official-looking checks [...]
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